And further to Cheryl's suggestion about "interviewing" your potential doc, I saw these tips posted a few years back, and saved them:

Questions to ask your new doctor:

Because your doctor will be your health care partner, and a part of your life for many years to come, it is crucial that you find a physician with whom you are able to express your concerns, communicate your needs and ask questions.

1. Are you board-certified in the specialty of neurology? If not, why not?

Board certification is important, particularly in a specialty, because the certification requires that the physician stay current in his/her field of medicine.

2. How many MS patients do you see in a year?

Obviously, the more patients the physician sees, the more experienced they are with the disease.

3. How well do your patients respond to treatment?

Doctors who have been consistent in keeping current with their training tend to use more innovative techniques and newer approaches that achieve better results.

4. Do you participate in neurology research, particularly multiple sclerosis?
Research physicians are usually aware of the most current and upcoming medications available for treating this disease.

5. Where do you have hospital admitting privileges?

You want to be certain that your doctor can treat you in the hospital of your choice.

6. How do you gauge the necessity of diagnostic testing to avoid too frequent, overlapping or unnecessary testing?

You don't want to increase your health care bills because of a physician’s need to test too often and unnecessarily.

A good answer is that the tests ordered are necessary according to standard protocols for treating that condition, or there is no other procedure that will give the necessary information.

7. What is your plan for treating my condition?

Physicians who have treated a number of MS patients will have some type of protocol or systematic approach to treatment, with expected outcomes.

8. How do you determine what drug to use in treating my condition?

Although there are specific drugs to treat MS, there may be issues concerning your individual health situation that have to be taken into consideration, and other drugs may have to be used.

9. Do you give free samples of drugs and supplies?

Sometimes you can reduce your health care costs by asking this question.

10. Do you offer classes for your patients so that they can learn from each other?

Some physicians lead educational support groups for patients of like diseases. If not, ask if they can refer you to other groups.

11. Will you take the time to explain my condition and answer my questions?

It is best to write down your questions prior to an office visit, so that you are not wasting your doctor’s time by trying to think of questions to ask.
Once you decide on a physician, it is important to become an active partner in your own care. Even if your doctor is a gifted healer, he/she cannot make you well or keep you healthy without your cooperation.

A crucial step in being a partner with your doctor is to become an expert on your own health.

Reviewed August 16, 2005 by V. J. Smith, RN, BSN, MA.
MS Neighborhood is a service of Priority Healthcare
Copyright © 2005 Priority Healthcare, inc. All Rights Reserved

Cherie